Mission Nepal

The Hepatitis C Trust Nepal Trek has certainly kept me busy this year and 2006 will be one of my most memorable years.

 

The trek was a huge challenge as I had never tackled anything like this before. I trained and prepared as much as I could but without the help of my team mates and the patience and quiet encouragement of the Nepali Sherpas who walked with us I don't know if I would have made it. Here are a few of the highlights.

 

We reached the CAT supported school at the end of the second day. As we looked up we could hear singing and see the children and teachers lined up to welcome us. They were wonderful and we felt like royalty or as Jeff put it ‘like a circus coming to town.’  Namaste all round and we took our seats as the children got ready to entertain us.  What a show they put on and we were invited to join them and dance.

 

A group of youths asked very politely if they could speak with Jeff about getting help with their ideas for a community and youth building for the villages. Dilli was their spokesperson and told us that this was the first time he had conversed with English speakers.  His approach took courage and determination, principles which should be applied to the awareness raising campaign. Don't wait for others to do it for us get out there and do something for ourselves..

 

My breathing became difficult on the third and most challenging day and the days walking was completed after sunset and with hail stones falling. I had one to one support from Tanka, one of the Sherpas.  Bestari (slowly) was his advice, one, two, three small steps at a time until eventually we reached camp. I was exhausted, emotional, cold and wet but thankful to have reached safety with his encouragement. Another lesson learned, if we take our time and move forward however slowly we will reach our goal. 
 
I cannot describe accurately the feelings I had as Jeff counted down the steps into camp on the last day; wonder, self achievement, how on earth did I do this, most of all I was very proud of myself and my team mates. Self respect is a wonderful thing.